The Lord Silkin School

INSPECTION DETAILS

Inspection Date 25/11/2003 Inspector Name Anneliese Fox-Jones

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SETTING DETAILS

Day Care Type Full Day Care Setting Name The Crescent Playgroup Setting Address St.Lukes Church Hall The Crescent,Bricket Wood St Albans Hertfordshire AL2 3NF

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REGISTERED PROVIDER DETAILS

Name The Committee of Crescent Playgroup 1039644

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

Name Crescent Playgroup Address St Lukes Church Hall The Crescent Bricket Wood, St Albans Herts AL2 3NF

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ORGANISATION DETAILS

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THE INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality and standard of day care. When making judgements, inspectors have regard to how well the provider meets the National Standards for under Eights Day Care and Childminding. A list of these is attached. The report identifies strengths and areas for improvement. This inspection report must be made available to all parents.

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Information about the setting

The Crescent Playgroup is a committee run group, which operates in St Lukes Church Hall, Bricket Wood, St Albans. The premises are multi purpose which provide various other functions whilst the group is running. The group registered in 1993 for children aged 2 to 5 years, and operates Monday, Tuesday and Friday 09:30 to 12:00 and 09:30 to 15:00 on a Thursday, term time only. The group's accommodation is situated on the ground floor, comprising of a spacious hall, outside area, and smaller room. The group also accommodates staff and children's toilets. Four to five staff work in the group on a daily basis. Some have attended various training courses including first aid, child protection, basic food hygiene and special needs training. Valerie Jones manages the group and Kate Stacey is the deputy supervisor, both scheduled to commence further training to achieve a Diploma in Pre-School Practice, Level 3 qualification in January 2004.

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How good is the Day Care?

The Crescent Playgroup provides good quality care for the children. It offers a welcoming environment where children appear happy, busy and settled. A broad range of polices and procedures underpin the well organised, day to day running of the provision. Space is used effectively, with designated areas for imaginative play, cooking, creative activities and quiet times. Staff know the children well and are aware of their individual needs, much time is spent interacting with them. The areas used by the group are clean, well maintained and comfortable. Most staff have attended child protection training and intend to achieve further advanced training, to ensure a good knowledge of keeping children safe. The group provides a good variety of activities for the children, ensuring that all areas of learning are developed. Activities planned are imaginative and fun. Resources are organised in a way that allows the children to have easy access and

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How good is the Day Care?

make independent choices. Children know the routines well and are all very helpful when clearing away equipment. The Caterpillar group on Thursday afternoons offers

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How good is the Day Care?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 a more structured approach to learning. Good relationships have been developed with parents/carers. Staff work well with parents, are accommodating to their needs and keeps them informed on a regular basis. Staff are available to talk to parents and also complete written records and observations of the children's progress. Most of the relevant documentation is in place, although some information and records need to be addressed for the safe and efficient management of the provision. Feedback from parents questionnaires is very positive.

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What has improved since the last inspection?

Since the last inspection, the provision has met all the identified actions. Cushions or quiet activities are available during lunchtime and afternoon sessions, drinks are readily accessible and fruit is offered as a snack option to encourage healthy eating. Staff are very proactive in the area of training and have attended an extensive range of courses in a variety of areas.

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What is being done well?

• Staff are supportive, caring and enthusiastic in their approach to the children. A good range of resources and activities with a themed focus are provided. Children are busy and engaged in their play. (Standards 3 and 5) • The group provides a good balance of stimulating, fun, quiet and more physical activities. Children play with interest and co-operatively. There are clear routines for play and tidying away, that help the children feel secure and encourage independence. (Standards 3 and 9) • Staff have a good awareness of the children's individual needs and strive to meet these in a number of ways; an experienced special education needs co-ordinator, a one to one system for children who require this and recorded information on children's individual progress. Children respond well to staff, who spend plenty of time talking, playing, listening and helping the children learn. (Standards 9 and 11) • Staff work in partnership with parents, ensuring good communication. There

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What is being done well?

are informative notices, newsletters and policies made available to parents/carers. (Standard 12)

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What needs to be improved?

• The information recorded in the daily attendance register (Standard 2) • Documentation, to ensure a statement for lost or uncollected children is included in the policies. (Standard 14)

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What needs to be improved?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION

All registered persons must comply with all conditions of registration included on his/her certificate of registration. As a result of this inspection conditions of registration have been imposed / varied / removed and a new certificate of registration will be issued.

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by the time of the next inspection

Std Recommendation 2 Ensure the attendance register records children’s accurate hours of attendance. 14 Ensure a procedure to be followed if a parent fails to collect a child or a child is lost is included in the group’s policies.

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by the time of the next inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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STANDARD 1 - SUITABLE PERSON

Adults providing day care, looking after children or having unsupervised access to them are suitable to do so.

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STANDARD 2 - ORGANISATION

The registered person meets required adult: child ratios, ensures that training and qualifications requirements are met and organises space and resources to meet the children's needs effectively.

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STANDARD 3 - CARE, LEARNING AND PLAY

The registered person meets children's individual needs and promotes their welfare. They plan and provide activities and play opportunities to develop children's emotional, physical, social and intellectual capabilities.

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STANDARD 4 - PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

The premises are safe, secure and suitable for their purpose. They provide adequate space in an appropriate location, are welcoming to children and offer access to the necessary facilities for a range of activities which promote their development.

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STANDARD 5 - EQUIPMENT

Furniture, equipment and toys are provided which are appropriate for their purpose and help to create an accessible and stimulating environment. They are of suitable design and condition, well maintained and conform to safety standards.

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STANDARD 6 - SAFETY

The registered person takes positive steps to promote safety within the setting and on outings and ensures proper precautions are taken to prevent accidents.

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STANDARD 7 - HEALTH

The registered person promotes the good health of children and takes positive steps to prevent the spread of infection and appropriate measures when they are ill.

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STANDARD 8 - FOOD AND DRINK

Children are provided with regular drinks and food in adequate quantities for their needs. Food and drink is properly prepared, nutritious and complies with dietary and religious requirements.

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STANDARD 9 - EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The registered person and staff actively promote equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice for all children.

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

The registered person is aware that some children may have special needs and is

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NEEDS AND DISABILITIES)

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 proactive in ensuring that appropriate action can be taken when such a child is identified or admitted to the provision. Steps are taken to promote the welfare and development of the child within the setting in partnership with the parents and other relevant parties.

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STANDARD 11 - BEHAVIOUR

Adults caring for children in the provision are able to manage a wide range of children's behaviour in a way which promotes their welfare and development.

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STANDARD 12 - WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS AND CARERS

The registered person and staff work in partnership with parents and to meet the needs of the children, both individually and as a group. Information is shared.

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STANDARD 13 - CHILD PROTECTION

The registered person complies with local child protection procedures approved by the Area Child Protection Committee and ensures that all adults working and looking after children in the provision are able to put the procedures into practice.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

Records, policies and procedures which are required for the efficient and safe management of the provision, or to promote the welfare, care and learning of children are maintained. Records about individual children are shared with the child's parent.

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STANDARD 14 - DOCUMENTATION

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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